advantages, by diffusing as widely as he can amongst others all the blessings which he himself enjoys.

This is one excellent feature in the

charitable institution before us, it puts the poor almost on a par with the rich, in respect of some of the chief advantages which riches can command. Were Were any nobleman in this neighbourhood taken ill, who are they that would be summoned to give advice? The very same physicians and surgeons, as those who give advice at this dispensary to the poor! In the same complaint, and for a similar constitution, the same prescription would be written in the one case as in the other, the same medicine would be prepared, and it would be compounded of drugs of the same quality, the best that can be purchased. The skill, and attention, is the free gift of the medical practitioners. And thus the expense of the Dispensary is chiefly confined to the purchase of the necessary medicines. Hence every contribution goes so much further, procures so much more of advantage to the patients.

It appears by the last year's Report that on an average four poor persons are either cured or considerably relieved in sickness for every guinea that is contributed. Four poor persons healed are four whole families comforted in sorrow, and saved from want. Within the reach of this Dispensary there are many hundred families who require this seasonable assistance. And as long as any four remain unprovided for, it is to be hoped that there will not be wanting a Christian friend, able and willing to cast into the plate enough to provide for all four at once. May He, who on earth" went about doing good," now help from heaven in this work of healing, by inclining your hearts to give largely! And may your gifts, through his blessing, both minister to the consolation of your brethren, and also being given by faith and love, redound to the glory of your Lord!

SERMON IX.

FOR THE NATIONAL SOCIETY.

LOVE COLD BECAUSE INIQUITY ABOUNDS.

MATTHEW 24. 12, 13.

"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

THE Gospel has been revealed by Almighty God to do away with iniquity from amongst mankind. Yet notwithstanding, iniquity still abounds. And this seems to many, a thing quite incomprehensible, and ought to be a matter of deep concern to all. God, who can do whatsoever pleases Him, made man for good. And from the day of man's fall, to the present hour, God has by his Spirit been always striving with mankind; to convert them from sin

to holiness. More especially in these last times, He has sent his Son, not only to die for us on the cross, but also to purify us to Himself, "a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Tit. 2. 14.) And yet iniquity abounds in the world; yea, in that very part of the world which professes to be Christian, amongst those very persons, who enjoy, in the dispensation of the Gospel, the very best of means to know the truth, and the most effectual motives to do good instead of evil.

Now we can give no other account of the matter, than this, that God does not hinder but that it may so be. He is "not willing that any should perish." (2 Pet. 3. 9.) This we know certainly from his word. He prevents it not by absolute force. This we feel sure of by our own experience. If the sinner will die, he may. God provides for us the knowlege of Himself, and of our duty. He gives us abundant motives to repentance. He sets before us the hope of immortal life, to encourage in us a heavenly mind on earth. God has sent his Son to die

for us, has imparted the gift of the Holy Ghost to make us holy, has promised to hear our prayers, and has assured us that no temptation shall befal us, beyond what we might bear, (See 1 Cor. 10. 14,) so as for it to turn to our greater glory. (See James 1.2, 3.) If we notwithstanding transgress; if many of us, in spite of these and all his mercies, wilfully lead unchristian lives; God for the present interferes no farther. For the brief season of this world's continuance, He suffers the tares to grow up, together with the wheat, until the day of the great eternal harvest.

But further, lest any man should think within his heart, that this abundance of iniquity is inconsistent with God's government of the world, lest any man should say that it cannot be reconciled with God's having taken such great pains, especially by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to make us devout, and pure, and true, and just, and charitable; lest any such objection should arise; behold in this very Gospel, by the mouth of his blessed Son,